TOPEKA, Kan. – NAVC | January 7, 2006
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. proudly announces Alfred M. Legendre, DVM, MS, DACVIM, has received the prestigious 2006 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished award is presented annually to a veterinarian who has made a lifetime commitment to improving the health and well-being of companion animals. Recognized both nationally and internationally for his dedication to understanding some of the most complex infectious agents, Dr. Legendre is an acclaimed researcher and award-winning teacher from the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Legendre received the award at the opening ceremony of the North American Veterinary Conference, January 7, 2006 in Orlando, Florida.
“It is an honor to recognize Dr. Al Legendre for his lifelong dedication to improving the health of companion animals,” said Mary Beth Leininger, DVM, Director of Professional Affairs for Hill’s and former AVMA President. “His contributions to the veterinary profession are immeasurable and echo the legacy left to the profession by Dr. Mark L. Morris, Sr.”
One of the world’s experts in the research of infectious agents, Dr. Legendre has investigated the pathogenesis and prevention of infectious viral diseases in cats and the treatment of mycotic diseases in dogs and cats. He has also developed innovative treatments for cancers and viral infections. His current studies include research in to a blastomycosis vaccine, on FeLV and FIV vaccines and an antiviral drug. Dr. Legendre’s work has been showcased in 23 textbooks and numerous articles in professional and lay publications.
Dr. Legendre has a record of leadership and service during his 30 years in the veterinary profession. He has served as president and chairman of the Board of Regents for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is a founding Diplomate of the ACVIM Specialty of Oncology. From 1985 to 1993, he was the guiding force and founding editor of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, which is now in its 20th year of publication.
“Al personally edited hundreds of submissions to ensure that correct, relevant, and clinically useful information was published,” said Dr. Robert DeNovo, Jr., professor and head diplomate, ACVIM. “He specifically devoted tremendous time to editing submissions from young investigators in an effort to encourage and further promote their development.”
Dr. Legendre joined the faculty of the University of Tennessee when it was founded in 1975 as director of medical services and retained that position while receiving numerous teaching awards. Currently, he serves as the assistant department chair for the Department of Small Animal Clinical Services. Legendre recently was awarded the Twenty-Year Faculty Appreciation Award from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1981. In April of 2000, he received the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association Distinguished Service Professorship Award, the highest award given by the University of Tennessee Alumni Association.
Colleagues describe Legendre as “a champion of our profession.” “Dr. Legendre is internationally known for his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mycotic diseases of small animals and he has contributed significantly to our knowledge of Feline Leukemia Virus.” said Guy Pidgeon, DVM, DACVIM, President and CEO of the Animal Medical Center. “While still active in the area of infectious disease, in recent years Al became focused on clinical oncology and has been able to transfer his knowledge of immunology into this important area.”
In recognition of his lifetime of service, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. donated $20,000 to the Morris Animal Foundation in Dr. Legendre’s name. The Morris Animal Foundation, founded in 1948, improves the health and well-being of companion animals and wildlife by funding humane health studies and disseminating information about these studies.
For almost six decades, Hill’s has provided the most technologically advanced therapeutic and wellness foods to veterinary professionals. Hill’s Prescription Diet® brand offers a complete line of therapeutic pet food to nutritionally manage more than 50 disease conditions. Science Diet® products are specially formulated to provide superior nutrition for a wide range of life stage and special wellness needs. To learn more about Hill’s products and our commitment to companion animal health and the veterinary profession, please contact us at 800-548-VETS (8387). You can also visit us at www.hillspet.com.